What is a house renovation?

A house renovation brings an older or tired home up to date. It can include rewiring, a new heating system, replastering, new floors, windows, kitchens and bathrooms, and changes to the layout. A full renovation is often combined with an extension or loft conversion.
How much does a house renovation cost in Letchworth Garden City?
In Letchworth Garden City, a house renovation typically costs £950–£1,900 per m² for a medium to full renovation, including VAT at 20% (5% may apply to homes empty for two years or more). For a typical 90 m² project that is roughly £85,500–£171,000. That range is adjusted for the East of England, where domestic building work typically costs around 6% above the national average. Design, structural calculations and council fees are extra.
| Size or type | Guide range |
|---|---|
| Smaller project (63 m²) | £60,000–£119,500 |
| Typical project (90 m²) | £85,500–£171,000 |
| Larger project (126 m²) | £119,500–£239,500 |
| Rate per m² | £950–£1,900 |
The biggest cost drivers are:
- Finishes
- Windows and doors
- Structural and damp repairs
- Extent of rewiring and replumbing
For a figure based on your own measurements, try the guide price tool, then book a free home visit for a fixed quote.
Do you need planning permission for a house renovation in Letchworth Garden City?
The approval route for Letchworth Garden City is set by planning law in England. In England internal renovation usually does not need planning permission unless the house is listed, when listed building consent covers internal work too. Notifiable work such as rewiring, structural changes, new windows and heating must meet building regulations.
Where work involves a shared wall, building on the boundary, or digging foundations within 3 metres of a neighbour’s building and deeper than its foundations (or within 6 metres for deeper work), the Party Wall etc. Act 1996 applies and notices must be served before work starts.
We check this for your address before design work starts, so there are no surprises later.
What we handle
The work we manage on a house renovation:
- Condition survey and scope of works
- Structural repairs and damp treatment
- Building control for notifiable work
- Plastering and boarding
- Kitchens and bathrooms
- Rewiring and heating upgrades
How long does it take?
The build itself usually takes 8 to 20 weeks on site depending on scope. Before that, surveys, drawings and approvals usually take 6 to 12 weeks, longer if the council asks for changes.
Building in Letchworth Garden City
Across the East of England, 1930s and post-war semis, newer estates and rural cottages all feature, each with different extension and loft options.
Letchworth Garden City sits in Hertfordshire, about 14 miles north-west of Hertford. We cover the whole of Letchworth Garden City, including postcodes SG6 and SG7.
How it works
- 01
Survey and brief
We visit, discuss your ideas and budget, and survey the property or site at no cost.
- 02
Design and fixed quote
Drawings, structural calculations and an itemised, fixed price for the agreed specification.
- 03
Approvals
Planning or permitted development confirmation, building regulations and any party wall matters.
- 04
Construction and completion
We build, put right any snags and hand over the building control certificate.
Questions about house renovations in Letchworth Garden City
Can I live in the house during a renovation?
For light work, yes. For a full renovation, most clients move out for some or all of the job.
How much does a house renovation cost in Letchworth Garden City?
In Letchworth Garden City, a house renovation typically costs £950–£1,900 per m² for a medium to full renovation, including VAT at 20% (5% may apply to homes empty for two years or more). A typical 90 m² project comes to roughly £85,500–£171,000. Your fixed price depends on the survey and drawings.
Is VAT reduced on renovations?
Usually not; the standard 20% rate applies. A reduced 5% rate can apply when renovating a home that has been empty for at least two years.
Do you renovate listed buildings?
Yes, with listed building consent and appropriate materials.
Who approves a house renovation in Letchworth Garden City?
Planning matters in Letchworth Garden City go to the council covering your address, and the work needs building control approval. We prepare and submit the applications for you.
